Calligraphy for Beginners- Arnold Library-Adult Learning

• Date: 16 April - 14 May 2024
• Sessions: Tuesdays: 2pm - 4pm
• No. sessions: 5
• Venue: Arnold Library, Nottingham
• For ages: 19+
• Group size: 5 - 12
• Cost: FREE - £30

This course is for absolute beginners to the art of calligraphy. 

You will learn: 

• How to hold the calligraphy pen  
• How to form the ‘Foundational Script’ alphabet 
• How to plan and execute a small project. 

Please note that materials are not included in the cost of the course.  

At the first class the tutor will show you what you need to buy (please budget for around £20). 

What will be covered on the course?   

• To hold the pen correctly using the nib at different angles. 
• To create straight and curves strokes 
• Form the letters in the family groups (1 – 5) for minuscules (lower case letters) 
• Form majuscules (Roman Capitals) – capital letters 
• To plan and complete a small project using calligraphy skills learnt during the course 

What will learners achieve by the end of the course? 

• A calligraphy project using all the skills learnt on the course. 

What skills or knowledge do learners already need to have to attend the course? 

Nothing, this course is written for the complete beginner. 

Resources required by attendees

• Calligraphy – Materials Needed (approx. budget £20) 
• Pencil and eraser 
• 30cm (12 inch) ruler 
• Protractor and set square pack  
• Clear Plastic Wallet (A4) to keep your work in 
• Paperclips/bulldog clip or a clipboard 
• STAEDTLER 3002 C5 Calligraphy Markers - Assorted Colours (Pack of 5) – Available to buy at the Library Shop in selected libraries: Arnold Library, Mansfield Library, West Bridgford Library, Beeston Library and Southwell Library. 
• Or equivalent calligraphy pen. Please note that pen nibs must be 2mm and 3.5mm as the course handouts and layout sheets are all drawn up in these sizes. Try ‘The Works’ for pens in these sizes. 
• Clairefontaine Goldline Layout Pad, A4, 50 gsm, 80 Sheets – or equivalent. The layout paper needs to be 50gsm so that the lined exercise sheets can be seen through it. Stocked by Mansfield Library and available to buy from the Library Shop, Mansfield Central Library. 

 Suggested Reading for the course 

Title:  Calligraphy in 24 one-hour lessons Author:  Kespersaks, Veiko. 745.61 

Start calligraphy : all the techniques and tips you need to get you started Author:  Sullivan, Maureen. 

If you are in receipt of certain benefits you will be offered the course for free, however if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on the course  please visit our webpage for further information  https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning/funding-your-courses/ 

To secure your place on the course BOTH the following must be done:

• Complete the EVENTBRITE BOOKING.
• Complete our INSPIRE ONLINE ENROLMENT FORM for each person attending the course.

You should be redirected to the Inspire Online Enrolment Form after completing the Eventbrite booking.  If you are not redirected, please use the link supplied in the Eventbrite booking confirmation email.

To book and enrol on one of our courses, you must have been living in England and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

Some exceptions may apply if you are living in England with evidence of the right to remain and are from an EEU/EEAU country (completion of a questionnaire will be required).

As we no longer receive funding for our ESFA-funded courses for learners living in the devolved areas listed below, full cost fees would apply to these courses if you live in these areas:

• Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield 
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
• Greater London
• Greater Manchester
• Liverpool City Region
• Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland
• Tees Valley
• West of England
• West Midlands
• West Yorkshire

Check the FAQs page, or get in touch:

• By phone: 01623 677 200
• By email: [email protected]

Visit the Inspire website for full details and booking options

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Arnold Library, Front Street, Nottingham, United Kingdom